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Mbappé Legal Team Escalates Dispute with Paris Saint-Germain Over Unpaid Sums
Kylian Mbappé’s legal representatives are intensifying their efforts to resolve a financial disagreement with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), initiating multiple lawsuits. The legal dispute centers around claims from the World Cup-winning footballer for substantial unpaid wages and bonuses.
€55 Million Claim and Legal Action
The French forward contends that PSG owes him €55 million (£47.5 million) in outstanding payments. His legal team has reportedly commenced proceedings in the Paris court, seeking to recover the alleged debts. Thomas Clay, a member of Mbappé’s legal counsel, stated that a precautionary seizure of funds from PSG‘s bank accounts, totaling the disputed amount, was authorized and executed on Thursday. A court hearing to address the matter is scheduled for May 26.
“Going on the Attack” After Deadline
Delphine Verheyden, Mbappé’s principal lawyer, highlighted the prolonged nature of the impasse, stating, “This situation has persisted for just over a year. We established a one-year timeframe to seek an amicable resolution. Given the continued non-payment of the €55 million owed to Kylian Mbappé, a decision has been reached to adopt a more assertive approach.”
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Ministerial Intervention and UEFA Notification
Verheyden further indicated that they are appealing to the French sports minister for intervention. Additionally, they are challenging the French Football Federation’s appeals commission’s ruling, which deemed Mbappé’s initial appeal against PSG inadmissible due to concurrent civil court proceedings.
Champions League Licence at Risk?
Separately, Mbappé has reportedly requested the French federation to inform UEFA about PSG‘s alleged failure to meet salary obligations. Verheyden implied that if PSG is found culpable of breaching financial regulations, the club could potentially face repercussions, including the revocation of their licence to compete in the prestigious Champions League tournament.
UEFA Statement on Potential Arrears
A UEFA spokesperson, in a statement to Reuters, acknowledged indirect awareness of the situation concerning potential payment arrears. The spokesperson clarified, “If French authorities reach a definitive conclusion confirming outstanding arrears, the club would be obligated to settle these debts promptly to maintain compliance with financial fair play regulations.”
Background to the Financial Dispute
In October, the French League (LFP) appeals commission supported a prior decision instructing PSG to pay Mbappé the contested wages. Mbappé asserts that the club has failed to pay three months of his salary and the final portion of a loyalty bonus.
Real Madrid Move and Contractual Disagreements
Mbappé joined Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer after a seven-year tenure with PSG, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 256 goals. PSG contends that a verbal understanding was reached when Mbappé was temporarily excluded from the squad before the 2023-24 season – following his refusal to extend his contract. According to PSG, Mbappé allegedly agreed to forgo bonuses to rejoin the team. However, Verheyden disputed this claim, stating, “They have not presented any evidence to substantiate the existence of any such agreement.”
Previous Attempts at Amicable Resolution
PSG, while declining immediate comment, previously stated in October their intent to “bring the case before the competent courts” while still seeking an “amicable solution” with Mbappé. PSG has also alleged that Mbappé declined an offer from the LFP to mediate the disagreement.
Tensions and Contractual Issues
Mbappé’s departure from PSG was marked by significant discord, with some fans expressing their discontent during his final home appearance at Parc des Princes. PSG reportedly felt betrayed by Mbappé after offering him the most financially rewarding contract in the club’s history in 2022.
Broken Promises and Contractual Confusion
Mbappé reportedly felt disillusioned due to unfulfilled promises regarding the acquisition of key players. Despite being presented to fans with a jersey indicating a contract until 2025 upon signing the new deal, reports suggest Mbappé was displeased as the actual contract term was until 2024, with an option for an additional year at the player’s discretion.
Pre-Season Exclusion and Saudi Arabia Offer
In June 2023, Mbappé reportedly surprised PSG by declaring his decision not to activate the option for an additional year. Consequently, he was excluded from the pre-season tour and relegated to training with peripheral players. PSG communicated their preference to sell him rather than allow him to leave without a transfer fee in 2024. Mbappé reportedly rejected a €300 million offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
Harassment Claims and Further Legal Actions
Despite being initially omitted from the season’s opening league match, Mbappé was later reintegrated into the team following discussions. Mbappé’s legal team announced on Thursday their intention to initiate legal proceedings against PSG for alleged harassment concerning his treatment. Furthermore, they are pursuing a separate legal action before an industrial tribunal, and Mbappé and his mother have filed lawsuits regarding online abuse they have received.